Senior Guidance and Control Engineer

About the role

We are seeking an experienced Guidance & Control (G&C) engineer to deliver world-class analysis and development across a range of advanced vehicle systems. Our team supports a wide array of platforms, including hypersonics, cruise missiles, submarines, and autonomous flight vehicles.

Responsibilities

• Apply your expertise in guidance and control to tackle complex technical challenges across a wide range of advanced autonomous vehicle systems.
• Lead the research, design, and development of cutting-edge guidance and control algorithms, grounded in modern control theory and best practices.
• Mentor and guide other GNC engineers and help ensure that our team maintains deep knowledge in the analysis, design, and implementation of control solutions for next-generation weapon systems.
• Analyze and assess contractor designs to assist program offices throughout the DoD acquisition cycle and interface with contractor community to help them design and build operational weapon systems.
• Collaborate closely with experts across disciplines to identify technical risks, communicate challenges to program sponsors, and help shape the strategic direction of your programs.

Qualifications

• Possess a Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or another related technical field.
• Have at least five years of experience in vehicle guidance, controls, or autonomous systems.
• Be comfortable in building physics-based models, applying system dynamics and equations of motion in a simulation environment.
• Be proficient in one or more areas of controls theory, including: classical methods (e.g. PID) and modern methods (e.g. nonlinear Lyapunov based, adaptive, robust, cooperative, and model predictive control) and their application to vehicle control design.
• Have a strong sense of initiative, creativity, and a passion for learning.
• Work effectively in a team and would like to mentor and lead technical staff members.
• Able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Top Secret level clearance.

About Us

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates. At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.